Reviews (1,161)

Radbooks · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 85: The Joy of Serving

Oh, it's hard to be a servant, but it really can be a joy IF your heart is right. It's tough for the son of a king to see that, though Finrod seems to have learned it pretty well already, but he's been in totally different circumstances. Being Namo's apprentice ought to be lots of fun for Ingwion!

Radbooks · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 84: Obedience is a Verb

Oh, that would be hard - to be compared to Feanor! But, once you start not listening it does indeed become a slippery slope and it's very, very hard to climb back up it. Fortunately, Ingwion's heart is in the right place and I think he's willing to learn, although he was quick to shift the blame to Glorfindel. He's fortunate - though he doesn't think so right now - to have the Vala helping him so he doesn't turn against them.

Radbooks · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 83: On the Shore of an Endless Sea

I know it's been forever (I suppose I shouldn't use a word like forever when reviewing a story about immortal beings, but you get the idea! *grin*)since I've reviewed, but I've been enjoying the story very much. Thanks so much for writing and sharing it with us. I think I feel worse for Ingwion here than I felt for either Finrod or Glorfindel. They at least had gone through tough situations before and, I think, found it at least somewhat easier to come to terms with what was happening to them. But for Ingwion he's never been through anything quite this difficult before. I loved the 'end of the world' joke even if Ingwion didn't appreciate it! I would like to have dolphins as playmates, too. I've had a chance to do that once or twice when I've traveled but the cost has just been too high. :(

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 87: The Servant-Prince's Oath

He managed the 'M' word. And to be openly indignant at the superfluity of Valar and Maiar cluttering up his room. I think he'll survive the experience of apprenticeship. But will Aman? (I suspect it'll be better for the experience. After all, something clearly needs to be done. And the Valar are gathering a mighty collection of elves to do the job.)

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 86: Losing a Bet, Gaining an Apprentice

Ouch. Still - it sounds as if an apprenticeship with the Valar is a fairly standard part of royal learning in the Blessed Realm. Ingwion hasn't yet attained the flexibility of the reborn - but I'm sure Namo will do his best to keep him unsteady until he has learned to be rather more open to new experiences.

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 85: The Joy of Serving

I'll bet Ingwion didn't feel he needed this lesson in service as an expression of love. Not that peeling potatoes and weeding will do him any harm at all!

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 84: Obedience is a Verb

He's reverted to the childish stage, then. And the only way is up. Although there will doubtless be a lot of tumbles along the way!

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 83: On the Shore of an Endless Sea

It's quite hard for Ingwion to accept what is happening. Not reborn - and too used to being a king's heir and a lord. Do him good to get jiggled up a bit. And Namo's service - well. It's a bit of a game, but good for him, too.

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 82: Furtherance

Promotion ... yes, it often is as much a penalty as a privilege. And Vorondil is still living on the outside of his skin - poor brat. The whole service aspect is very all-encompassing! Even the masters have masters. It reminds me of the old 'great fleas have lesser fleas upon their backs to bite'em. And lesser fleas have smaller fleas and so ad infinitum.'

Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 81: Judgment on a Minor Note

Vorondil isn't going to find it easy to obey Finrod. Still too much of a brat. But he will learn. He's not going to be given much chance to do otherwise!

eiluj · 28 April 2007 · Chapter 83: On the Shore of an Endless Sea

Five chapters! You’re officially forgiven for going on vacation. "You must not carry on so. It’s not the end of the world ... well, actually it is...." -- There aren’t many situations where one can say that and have it be true, and you’ve found one. "What else am I, if not a prisoner? I’m not here of my own free will.” "Neither was Findaráto when summoned to Lórien, nor Glorfindel when sent to your own city. -- Since I doubt that Tiutalion is normally aware of Finrod’s or Glorfindel’s doings and feelings, I am imagining the staff meeting Nienna held preparatory to Ingwion’s visit.... I love the dolphins calling elves “star-children.”

vampfan30 · 27 April 2007 · Chapter 87: The Servant-Prince's Oath

Just when I thought that Namo couldn't get any neater, you fool me!!! I think I might be a little in love with him. The way you describe him in these last few chapters really wowed me......That, & I am just a sucker for a good head of black hair ^_^!

Edlyn · 27 April 2007 · Chapter 29: Travel Plans

Oh, I so enjoyed seeing Arafinwë in the role of Atar to Glorfindel and Sador in this chapter. If either of them had any doubts that they hold the place of sons in his heart, I think those doubts should be quieted now. When Arafinwë informed Glorfindel that he wasn't to mention Finrod's stuffed toy, I could practically see and feel Glorfindel's reaction. He's disappointed that he can't have fun teasing his gwador but he's also relieved to be reminded of the boundaries of good behaviour. As tempting as teasing is, it could have truly hurt and embarrassed Finrod, which would end up hurting Glorfindel as well when he finally got around to realizing the fact. Like any good and loving parent Arafinwë is well aware of the potential for hurt on both sides and stepped in to prevent it. Sador's comment about why couldn't he have a stuffed toy was so very typical of a younger sibling and it was obvious to me that he said it just to lighten things up a bit. He does have a merry heart, doesn't he? Regarding Amarië's potential reaction to Finrod's occasional need for his stuffed toy, I wonder if she just might surprise everyone if she did find out about it. She isn't unintelligent, has become more aware of the mix of maturity and childishness that is inherent in being recently Reborn, and she does love him. Now that her own hurt is healing, she might be more accepting of his need/want for the toy than anyone would believe. Hmmm. Now that thought has generated a plot bunny... I'll let you know if it decides to settle in and tell me anything specific. I couldn't help but snicker when I read that Arafinwë spent the morning drilling Glorfindel and Sador on the history of Aman. I can just see their faces... and hear their longsuffering sighs and the unspoken "Do we have to?" when he informs them that's how they'll be spending their morning. Ah, now we come to it, the problem of Tol Eressëan and Amaneldi relations. Glorfidnel is right in that it wouldn't be a good idea for Finrod to go to Tol Eressëa and Arafinwë is even more correct in that Glorfindel should also not go. The potential repercussions of either of them going there make me shudder to think about. We know there are already issues between the two groups and unfortunately the possibility of an embassy back to Tol Eressëa would be like lighting a match in a gunpowder factory. I can just see Arafinwe gesturing Finrod and Glorfindel back when Sador panicked. Truly it was best that he comfort and reassure his ward. And Sador's panic was perfectly reasonable in my opinion. We've already discussed in my previous reviews Sador's self-image and identity in regards to being a warrior as wel las a potter and now here's another new identity he has to learn how to accept, that of a diplomat/ambassador. I find it telling of just how young he really is (despite the centurues spent in Mandos) that he hasn't realized that a person can have many identities and still remain themself. One day I'm sure he'll realize that he can be an artisan, a diplomat, a warrior, a brother, and any number of other things without having his identity as any of them negate any other (did that make sense?). Ah, Finrod, that's what you get for oversleeping. The early bird might catch the worm but the folks who show up late end up with all the difficult or unpleasant jobs. But it didn't turn out so unpleasant or difficult after all, did it? It is the hurts we aren't aware of that cause the most damage isn't it? I really feel for Laurendil and Manwen. They both need healing so badly. You know I have the feeling that the Valar are appearing more often than they used to in the halls of the Eldar, otherwise I think the rooms would have been built larger and more spacious just because of the psychological necessity. This is a very well-written transition chapter, meldonya. I hope you have a good time on your holiday and I'll keep working on catching up on my reviews. This is literally one of the best LOTR fanfics I've read in regards to character development, plot and complexity. Best of all, it remains in Tolkien's world in feel. May you live blessed, Edlyn

Kitty · 27 April 2007 · Chapter 83: On the Shore of an Endless Sea

Poor Ingwion, I can understand so well why he felt a prisoner and all that. But it seems subconsciously he has indeed not yet come to terms with his defiance earlier, even if it was so understandable. Ingwion playing with the dolphins was a wonderful idea, Fiondil! Thank you for updating five chapters at once, and a wonderful holiday to you! Enjoy the time far away from greedy readers and have fun!

Kitty · 26 April 2007 · Chapter 82: Furtherance

Vorondil attacking Eärnur for the way he adressed Finrod was rather ironic, wasn’t it? Though it is somehow touching – he is obviously coming to appreciate Finrod more than he ever thought possible. "I suppose it would be too much to hope that you would be able to keep the Valar out as well?" That left me snickering. It’s rather unnerving at times to have the Valar pop up as they please, if you want them or not, isn’t it? Poor Eärnur. No wonder he is so disturbed after this talking-to by Irmo. He is one of these who truly do their best, unlike certain others. But I am pleased to know the Valar are acting at last – it was about time. *Now* the word „promote“ has a entirely new meaning for me *lol* What a way to „punish“ someone by saddling him with more responsibility! But I’m pleased – Vorondil seems to want to be a true apprentice, and I think it will do him some good to truly do something useful. And the expression seems to become something like a running gag *grin*

Kitty · 26 April 2007 · Chapter 81: Judgment on a Minor Note

Considering that they themselves treated Finrod as an apprentice only a short time ago, it seems rather arrogant to me that the Lóriennildi now are nasty to Vorondil for not calling Finrod „Master“ – even more so as Finrod himself doesn’t mind. And it is quite obvious it wasn’t the work for Finrod that caused Vorondil to run away, but the strain the behaviour of the Lóriennildi put on him. As angry as I was at him in the beginning, now I feel truly sorry for him. He doesn’t deserve this. The Lóriennildi should be ashamed – their duty is to *help* the elves in Lórien, not to humilate and punish them. Still, I held my breath as Finrod confronted the Valar about this, as much as he was right in the matter and I was glad he acted at all. The judgment was another impressing scene, and I suppose now Vorondil is on the right way, to develop a better character and let go of his hatred. I am curious though to know what you were planning to do if I had refused your demand. Me, too! Over the last few weeks, Finrod has changed a lot, from the more or less adolescent Reborn back to the powerful King of Nargothrond. It will be interesting to watch him returning to his family and taking on the task of stopping the distrust and hostility between the different groups of elves. He's truly a force to be reckoned with, even more so with Glorfindel, Ingwion, Laurendil and Sador at his side.

Kitty · 25 April 2007 · Chapter 80: Once Again to Lórien

Finrod was very nice to Vorondil, sleeping with him on the ground simply to reassure him, even if it may be true that he enjoys camping, at least without orcs to worry about. And I was impressed how clear Finrod made his opinion in front of Lord Irmo. Rather disturbing for Vorondil to see this seemingly disrespect to a Vala, even if it was on his behalf, though it gives him an idea about Finrod’s power. Loved Eärnur’s remark about the Sindarin lessons: Eärnur feigned a scowl. "Blast, and I was so looking forward to teaching him all the insulting words so he can try them on you." *lol*

Edlyn · 24 April 2007 · Chapter 28: Judgment Passed

Hello, meldonya. I had hoped to have reviewed this chapter right afer "Judgment Recalled" but unfortunately, dealing with unhappy real world events had to take precedence (the elder brother of my 18-year old niece's best friend died unexpectedly in a scuba diving accident). Coming back to this story has proved to be quite comforting amidst the grief. I know the "hero"/primary protagonist of this story is Glorfindel but I find that I am making more emotional connections to Finrod the more I read about him. This doesn't mean that I don't care what happens to Glorfindel, but that if Finrod should disappear completely from the story, I would feel bereft (but not anywhere near the way Finrod felt at the realization that he'd never again be with the Edain). Having realized this, I wondered why I felt this way and lets just say I ended up doing quite a bit of self-examination and thinking while trying to find an answer to my question. Over my life I've discovered that truly good writing will do this, whether is it a fictional story, a philosophical essay, a religious exegesis, a newspaper editorial, or even a playscript. The whole issue of judgment that runs through this tale brings to my mind a quote from Socrates: "An unexamined life is not worth living"; which examination by itself can result in being completely unable to move forward, to being frozen with one's mind picking apart every single thing one's done, or sitting in fear and horror at truths about oneself one doesn't want to admit to the point where one isn't "living" at all. I think Finrod's examination of his life (and likely anyone else's) in the Mahanaxar would have left him trapped like that except for the Valar's timely and appropriate interventions and comments which assists in moving him on to the very necessary catharsis and processing of what he's discovered about himself. Oh, dear, that makes the Valar sound like counselers and therapists in a psychology practice! I found it interesting that after his examination and catharsis, Finrod took himself to an emotional time (and place, perhaps) long before he would have been capable of making the decisions he did that led him to become on of the Exiles. After such an overwhelming experience, being a toddler again where he would only have the most basic of responsibilities and a sure knowledge that there would be someone to take care of him and set boundaries and tell him what the rules are would be comforting and above all SAFE. I can certainly understand Finrod's embarrassment at remembering being a toddler. For all that he is more mature in his rebirth than Glorfindel and Sador, in a lot of ways he's still that young teenager who wants to sink into the floor when his mother brings out the baby pictures. Oh, yes, all of us wish that things in the past could be changed and it's so hard to accept that they can't be changed. The outrage that Finrod expresses is certainly something that I am familiar with. None of us likes to feel as though we have no control over things and the anger and resentment that we feel because we CAN'T undo things is reasonable so long as you are able to eventually let it go. I was very glad to read that Finrod managed to do so, and thus continue growing up. "...in a desperate act of blind estel, he flung his fëa into the abyss..." I truly think that this bit is the most powerful part of the chapter, meldonya. Making that leap of faith is so incredibly difficult, letting go of our fears and trusting that when we leap we will not fall to our distruction but be caught up is so very, very hard. Neil Gaiman wrote a story in his Sandman graphic novels where the protagonist discovers that sometimes when we fall we fly, which was almost as powerful for me to read. I loved it that Finrod decided that he still wanted his stuffed toy. I think it showed that he's finally accepted a lot of truths (including that yes, he did spend nearly a yen being a toddler and learning to reemmber and enjoy simple things). And I think what I truly love about Lord Námo in the latter part of this chapter is his obvious care, patience, and love for Finrod. The sheer kindness of providing the bath and then staying with Finrod through the night really touched me. Thank you, meldonya. I am glad to be able to count you among my friends. May you live blessed, Edlyn

eiluj · 23 April 2007 · Chapter 81: Judgment on a Minor Note

“How would you like to be promoted?” -- Is Finrod’s life about to get even *more* interesting? [I shall doubtless Go Mad trying to figure this out before you get around to the explanation....]

eiluj · 23 April 2007 · Chapter 81: Judgment on a Minor Note

“Finrod began systematically reminding them all that he was indeed Fëanor’s cousin and not to be trifled with” -- Fëanor’s cousin: yes, that *would* give them pause. Poor Laurendil is having a rather trying evening. Um -- either Aldundil’s undergone a name change or there’s something going on that I don’t know about. [Well, yes, I’m sure there are many, *many* things going on which I’ve missed one way or the other, but I don’t think this falls into that category.] “He ran and ran, through one grove and another, past surprised Lóriennildi and disinterested Reborn” -- I daresay those disinterested Reborn *would* be interested if they had any idea....

eiluj · 23 April 2007 · Chapter 80: Once Again to Lórien

“A rather strange group of orcs” -- yes, considering the elves’ reaction to orcs, I can appreciate that Beor and his people were lucky it was Finrod who found them instead of some of the possible alternatives. "Vorondil decided that, as circumscribed as his life might be for now, it was not likely to be dull" -- oh, little does he know!

MithLuin · 23 April 2007 · Chapter 82: Furtherance

I love the punishment-by-promotion motif :) I was wondering what would happen to Finrod for defying his Masters. When are the elves going to learn that maybe, just maybe, the Valar know more than they let on? Though poor Vorondil is certainly going to regret being the center of so much attention, he seems alright for now. I am also glad to see that he loves his father. I wasn't sure if his 'rebellion' was *against* his dad, as much as he thought it was *for* him. Judgement-without-death is an interesting idea. What did happen to the poor elf to get him so twisted so young? Melkor wasn't around to spread his lies, but his taint must have lived on in Valinor....and that is Finrod's job to eradicate, isn't it? Hmmm.... I was sad to see Ingwion go, but I suppose we can't follow around *too* many characters....

hanci · 22 April 2007 · Chapter 79: Return to the Ring of Doom

I've spent so much time catching up with the story that now I don't have time to review properly. Sador's storyline was great and happenings on Tol Eressea really interesting. Glorfindel's host turning out to be Manwe shouldn's surprise me - well, who else on Taniquetil? And finally I know more about the Hunt. As to the trial... wonderfully complex, with Vorondil's father arriving, various Valar appearing... I was surprised at first by their treatment of Vorondil, but I suppose it's the best way to change his views.

Edlyn · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 27: Judgment Recalled

I'm surprised that I forgot to mention anything about the bet between Namo and Imro because, I did notice it and it made me smile. I do enjoy that aspect of their personalities very much. I liked that you included it. Edlyn

Edlyn · 19 April 2007 · Chapter 27: Judgment Recalled

Good afternoon, meldonya. I'm taking a break from a frustrating day at work and salving my patience and temper with an escape to Arda. What a powerful chapter! The reluctance of others to actually voice their curiosity about Finrod's death and what followed enabled him to avoid remembering and examining his own judgment. So it didn't surprise me that Laurendil's question triggered this. I think it likely that the relationship between the two must be something pretty special if Laurendil felt that he could risk asking the question. The tapestries in Mandos remind me of several myths concerning spinning and weaving. OF course, there are the fates that begin, spin and then cut of the thread of one's life from ancient Greece and other cultures, and I have memories of reading a celtic myth of a Weaver whose work depicts all the events of one's life from birth to death... I'll have to look through my books and find it again. I was impressed by Finrod's taking Námo's hand so readily. Though whether it is bravery, pride or even fool-hardiness it's hard to say. At first I was wondering why this was the first test and what exactly was being tested. Eventually, I decided it was a test of obedience and also a test of acceptance. There are those who will be hesitant to obey out of fear but certainly Lord Námo knows when that is the case and will adjust his mien and manner accordingly. But then there are others who refuse to obey out of pride and arrogance. Having recently re-read "The Silmarillion" I can easily see that there was a real chance that Findaráto would refuse to obey. For some reason the idea of someone obstinately refusing to take Lord Námo's hand when directed to do so makes me shudder, and brings to mind a parent or teacher saying, "You will not enjoy it if I have to come over there and get you." Those who refuse entirely to take his hand are refusing judgment and subsequent rebirth, aren't they? I am certain that it saddens all the Valar but Námo in particular when such happens. I'm certain that he doesn't ever like to have to take a fëa into the Halls of Solitude. I can easily accept that finding oneself in the Ring of Doom would focus one's attention quite readily and be downright terrifying. I suspect it was a lot like when I worked at the bank and was held up at gunpoint (but an exponentially more intense experience). I knew there was always a chance that someone would come in and rob us, but the reality is always and ever far more than any intellectual consideration or even imagining could prepare you for. Oh, dear. Can you call it having a mouth with a death-wish when one is already dead? My mouth was literally hanging open when Finrod mouthed off to Varda. Ah, Arafinwion, you do too have something still to lose.... It hurt to see how desperately Finrod clutched to his pride, as if it were the only thing he had left, as if his entire being was dependent on it. It hurt to see how fractured he was inside as his answers to Varda, Manwë, and Námo demonstrated. I picked up that keeping his personal honour is paramount to Finrod. When he makes an oath he literally cannot break it without breaking himself. Yes, he actually had a choice whether to break his oath to Barahir or not, but who and what he is makes the breaking of his oath damn-near impossible. People need things they can count on in an uncertain world and in the world of encroaching darkness, evil and war the culture of keeping oaths and honor provides a psychological and even spiritual security. I don't think that Finrod is even capable of imagining breaking his oath. If it wasn't about the silmarils, then what was it about, Finrod? I suspect it had to do with the love he bore Barahir and Beren but does he actually know the reason, himself? Or is it a case of being unwilling to admit his reason? "I don't know." Yes, it was an honest answer and one that I think most people would give if they were truly honest. There have certainly been times when I've resented that God didn't permit something to happen that I desperately wanted to have happen. No wonder Finrod avoided remembering his Judgment. Truth is painful and I certainly know that I have done much in my life I am not proud of, that I have purposefully made up justifications for, that I've avoided thinking about, things that I don't want to look at in the brilliant light of day and I don't think there's a person in the world who can't say (if they are being honest) that they have done the same thing. Honest self-examination is horrifically difficult and I think it is only my belief in a God who loves unconditionally that allows me to even think about doing such an examination of conscience. This is obviously a hugely traumatic time for Finrod, both the Judgment itself and his remembering it. I know he has to remember and come to terms with it in order to continue to mature but oh, this is SO hard! With the desperate way he searched for his stuffed toy, clutching it like a drowning man clutches a branch or other object, and the way he struggles with Námo all I could think was what he was really shouting wasn't only "Why do I have to remember this now?" but also "Why do I have to grow up now?, Why do I have to be responsible now? I don't want to..." I finished this chapter emotionally drained and but also able to put my own troubles of the day into prespective. I hope that Finrod will be able to accept these memories and put them in prespective (with Lord Námo's assistance of course!). May you lived blessed! Edlyn